FIVE FUN FAMILY EVENTS FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

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Before the kids return to school, pack in family fun this Labor Day weekend!  Here are our top five picks for Labor Day events in Southeast Michigan.

1. Saline Community Fair is a week-long event on the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds that kicks off on Monday, Aug. 29th and runs through Labor Day.  This year’s theme is, ‘Proud of the Past, Poised for the Future,’ which means you and your family can enjoy traditional fair events like the car and tractor show; live animals on display and draft horse pulling as well as new activities like the Healthy Kids Fair and Ice Cream with a Hero.  View a schedule of events.  On Thursday, Sept. 1st, military and law enforcement members receive discounts on admission, and women and seniors receive a discount on Friday.

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2. Fifth Third Michigan State Fair has been entertaining families for more than 160 years, so if you have never attended, consider going this year between Thursday, Sept. 1st and Labor Day.  Held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, the Michigan State Fair is full of family-favorite events such as circus performances under the big top, livestock exhibits, live entertainment, a midway full of games and rides, yummy carnival food, shopping, art on display and more!  Schedule details and pricing available here.

3. South Lyon Labor Day Bridge Walk is part of a statewide community walk held in conjunction with the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk.  Walkers can also register at the event starting at 8:30 am on Labor Day and located at McHattie Park in South Lyon.  All ages are welcome to participate in this healthy, statewide event.  The first 100 people who register will receive a free t-shirt!

4. Arts, Beats & Eats festival is a live entertainment Labor Day weekend favorite that takes place in Downtown Royal Oak from Friday, Sept. 2nd through Labor Day.  Enjoy more than 200 performances on nine stages; a highly ranked Juried Fine Arts Show; carnival midway rides and local restaurants with some of the finest cuisine in Metro-Detroit.  The festival’s Kids Zone attracts youngsters with fun, interactive programming including free interactive entertainment featuring hit music, games, and prizes for the entire family.  New this year, Ford Motor Company, Beats and Eats, and the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts is introducing an inaugural program—Meters Made Beautiful presented by Ford.  This beautification project will feature up to 150 paint parking meters inside the perimeter of the festival.

5. Michigan Renaissance Festival at Hollygrove Grounds takes you back to the 16th century with costumed characters, jousting, a masquerade ball and an archery competition.  The entire family will enjoy exploring the 17-acre village filled with games, music and everything related to this era.  Can’t make it to Holly during Labor Day weekend?  No worries as the festival runs from tomorrow through Oct. 2nd.  Now in its 38th year, this family-friendly event encourages visitors to dress up in their favorite Renaissance fashion, so you’ll see everything from wizards to pirates.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow